GUN SPRING 2016
This lot is closed for bidding. Bidding ended on 3/14/2016
FINE SMALL BORE JAMES WOODWARD SIDELOCK EJECTOR GAME GUN WITH CASE AND ACCESSORIES. WOOWARD SXS 5493 16 GA MODERN (ca 1900) Cal. 16 ga. 2-1/2" Chambers. 30" Chopper lump Whitworth steel bbls are engraved with makers name and St. James Street address, along with steel type, on concave game rib. Bbl flats are stamped with London nitro proofs for 1 oz shot, and with importers name and address (BSA). Bottoms of bbls are stamped with SNs and steel type. Case hardened sidelock action features classic Woodward styling, including automatic safety (SAFE inlaid in gold) covered by T-shaped extension when in fire position, "bug-eyed" tumbler end bosses, and arcaded fences. Other features include Purdey type hidden third fastener, gold band tumbler end cocking indicators, bushed strikers, and double triggers. Action and locks are engraved with Woodward house style, well cut small scroll with "J. Woodward & Sons" in parchment scroll flanked devices on each lockplate. Blued top lever and trigger guard are also scroll engraved. SN is at grip. Nicely flame figured and well streaked European walnut straight grip buttstock measures 14-3/8" over checkered wood butt. Classic flat top point pattern checkering is at grip, drop points behind lockplates, and a vacant silver silver is on toe line. Matching splinter ejector forend has Anson release. Bore diameter: left - .674, right -.672. Bore restrictions: left -.013 (Mod), right -.007 (IC). Wall thickness: left -.026, right -.026. Drop at heel: 2-3/16", drop at comb: 1-3/8". Weight: 6 lbs. 3 oz. LOP: 14-3/8". What appears to be orig makers oak and leather case with brass corners, is lined in scarlet cloth, There is a large paper Woodward label in lid. Case is nicely fitted for an array of what appear to be orig accessories with some later additions. Orig accessories include a pair of Woodward marked horn handled turnscrews, 2-pc ebony and brass cleaning rod with short handle, round crystal oil bottle with Woodward marking on cap, 16 ga chamber brush with horn handle, broken cartridge extractor, some reloading equipment including Hawksley marked nickel-plated powder and shot dippers, 16 bore hand held bore roll crimping tool, pair of bone handled cleaning brushes in leather case, old pair of snap caps, and a pull-through field cleaning kit. Newer accessories include a pair of brass and composition Purdey marked snap caps, and horn handled striker key engraved "Woodward". PROVENANCE: Purdey factory letter with orig specifications stating it was completed in Oct. 1900. Hodgins invoice for work performed. Lifelong Collection of Gentleman Collector Herbert Hyatt. CONDITION: Fine, as partially refinished. Bbls retain nearly all of a London quality re-black, engraving still clear. Action retains a considerable amount of its orig case hardening color, strong patches where protected, but is mostly a bright pewter gray, all engraving sharp and clear. Top lever and trigger guard retain nearly all of a re-blue, engraving slightly softened on bow. Stocks retain most of an old oil refinish with numerous light marks and some deeper scratches and dents, checkering slightly worn. Bores are very fine with some light frosting toward breech ends. Action is tight. Bbls are on face. Ejectors are strong and in time. Case leather is very dark with considerable rubs and marks. Newer straps and handle are very fine. Interior of case has been nicely and professionally re-lined. Orig label reattached. Label is considerably soiled, foxed, chipped, and cracked. Accessories are very good to fine. A fine classic Woodward, nicely presented. 49896-9 MGM44 (12,500-22,500)